Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P              

(Best months for growing Potato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Dig carefully, avoid damaging the potatoes.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
  • Avoid growing close to: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Rosemary

Your comments and tips

30 Mar 22, Lee Patterson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Taree, Mid North Coast, NSW. I have Potato Bags ready for planting and would like to know when is the right time for me to plant. Also, when do potato seedlings go on sale. Thank you.
31 Mar 22, Gary Hall (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Lee I'm from Wauchope and the Potato season is August, September and october you can get seed potato from Bunnings in the Gardening section in Taree if not try one of the rural centre's in Taree hope this helps.
01 Apr 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
sub tropical Bundy they grow an Autumn crop and plant late April May.
31 Mar 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ring your local produce agency and ask if they have seed potatoes. Or buy seed potatoes on line. Plant from mid April onwards.
11 Feb 22, grace (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in a temperate Zone, according to your table, and was wondering if I can grow potatoes ALL year round, as I rarely get frosts. ?? I have heard you can grow them all year round but would like some confirmation. thanks
08 Mar 22, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
Frost is the bane of potatoes. Give it a go by planting some seed potatoes or small pieces every few weeks. I have had potatoes growing amongst shrubs even in winter. Find the warmest, or most sheltered spot with the most sun for cool season planting. All the best.
31 Oct 21, Kevin Weaver (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live on the mid north coast of Nsw . I planted potatoes in my vegetable garden at the beginning of October, not realizing they are best grown in cooler months, the are currently looking and growing really well i have just mounded them for the first time. Is there any chance they will grow to harvest, or am i wasting my time. Thanks kev
01 Nov 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In sub tropical you can grow an Autumn and a Spring crop. The guide above says plant Aug to Oct. They also plant about May in Bundy - sub tropical.
27 Sep 21, Renato (Australia - tropical climate)
Can you plant potatoes in the tropics with 30°C temperature and get a good harvest?
28 Sep 21, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
It says plant April May - the reason, your are growing into the coolest time of the year and less likely to have massive rainfall then. Also pit them in a raised bed if your ground can be wet a lot. Free draining soil.
Showing 31 - 40 of 561 comments

If you live in an area with no frosts I would plant them. Leave them out of the ground for 3-4 days to let the cut edge dry up a bit. Plant them then water and don't water again until they shoot.

- Another gardener

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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